Gary
Really good article on games, assessment, and the future of education
Finally even the Department of education might be willing to change their views on education and assessment. I believe that we all need to be willing to "take a risk" when thinking about assessment.

At the tech conference last year I learned that educational apps are designed to be "perfect lessons", including assessment (scores). I would be happy to share the integrated parts of a lessons and how educational games are designed around them at another time.

The following following article discusses using games not only to learn, but to also use them as assessment. Think out of the box, because this is interesting reading.

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/games-for-change-festival





Gary
I decided to share my notes from the conference anyway. :)


Stealth learning
Video games in  the classroom
asset that shouldnt be wasted

Factors that influence learning:
Amount of time spent playing
Content of game
Formal features that define the game
Mechanics..using controllers which are similar to controls in other domains

Learning assets of games:
Clear learning goals
Experience and practice
Continuous monitoring of progress
Encouragement of inquiry and formulation of answers
Contextual bridging
Time on task
Motivation
Scaffolding
Personalization
Patience
Probing
Telescoping (connecting to other concepts)
Engaged consequentially (learning from failure)

Stealth learning: (learning without knowing it) ( and have fun)




Gary
Exploring music from around the world.
Here is a great site for exploring music from other cultures.
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/themes/world-music.aspx